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Lee Kelsall

- our CEO

A bit on Lee

Lee Kelsall is our CEO, although he prefers the title Chief Adventure Officer internally - the perfect illustration for the strategy and direction he is currently enabling Ker & Downey Africa to pursue and perfect in the age old safari industry.

Tanzania

Top Activity

Boat safari

I was born in the UK and qualified as a lawyer before deciding to pursue a more adventurous career path in Cape Town.

I love travel, technology, music and sport. Cape Town is my perfect city to live in, combining a healthy outdoor lifestyle with a vibrant city and beach culture. We have the mountain and sea on our doorstep and the winelands is only an hour away by car.

In my spare time I enjoy trail-running and competing in endurance sports - I recently completed my first half-ironman. I've travelled to 6 out of the 7 continents (Antarctica here I come)... and love to explore new places. I've just embarked on my biggest adventure to date, fatherhood...!

Just a few travel highlights

Top travel moments

A quick Q+A

Lee shares some tricks of the trade

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Listen

Favourite lodge/hotel in Africa?

"One of my favourite camps in Africa is Lemala Ngorongoro Camp, it had just the right mix of adventure and mod-cons. It’s location gave us a real advantage to get out early ahead of the crowds and it also offered the opportunity to experience a very cool guided walk down into the crater."

Favourite African experience?

"A few years ago my wife and I sailed around the northern islands of Madagascar. We encountered island rats the size of dogs, boa constrictors, sea turtles, lemurs and even a whale shark!"

I travel because…

"I am curious to explore the world and learn about other cultures and seek out new experiences."

When I'm not planning adventures for my clients...

"I hike the Pipetrack with my wife and friends or hang out in the bars and restaurants of Bree Street."

Best piece of travel advice?

"You have to be able to let go and go with the flow when you travel. Part of the adventure is the unknown. If you like precision, order and predictability my advice is to stay at home."

Where would you like to travel to next?

"Zambia and Zimbabwe."

What gear do you never travel without?

"My trusty Dakine backpack."

Favourite quote?

“All people dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.”

Favourite drink?

"I’m partial to a glass of La-FROYG whiskey."

Favourite Adventure type?

"Forests"

What one thing do you want to do before you die?

"Summit Mt Kilimanjaro"

Top Wildlife (favourite wild animal)

"Hyena"

Lee's top trips

LuxVenture® Trip

Botswana + Zambezi Island LuxVenture®

A world-class journey to Botswana and Zambia’s finest destination, in style.

Duration10 Days

PricePrice on request

WhenJun - Oct

LuxVenture® Trip

Tanzania Great Migration LuxVenture®

Find yourself in the epicentre of the world’s largest wildlife migration.

Duration9 Days

Price from$8,690 - $9,320

WhenJun - Oct

LuxVenture® Trip

Botswana + Vic Falls "Into The Wild" Safari

Combine untouched wilderness and unparalleled game viewing with the adventure capital of Africa and you've got a LuxVenture® for the bucket list.

Duration8 Days

Price from$5,462 - $7,249

WhenAll year round

Client testimonials

What Lee's clients say

23.03.2016

Mary, UK

Lee was incredible to work with and provided top of the line service. Lee set up a conference call with us in the UK to help us identify the best place for us.

Meet the team

Meet Kayleigh

Kayleigh is one of our Adventurists - claiming the title without a doubt. She has ticked off some pretty epic bucket list items, read more about her adventures here.